India Ends Australia Cricket World Cup Dominance

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By Kemantha Govender

One of the most explosive semi-finals has been set after India defeated Australia on Thursday at the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Australia’s 12-year reign as World Cup champions came to an end after both teams put on a great show in Motera.

India will next take on Pakistan on 30 March and the two nations have a complex political history and fierce rivalry in cricket.

India
India

The Indians won the second quarterfinal against Australia after reaching 261 for five with 14 balls to spare.

Pakistan became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals after beating West Indies on Wednesday.

Man of the match Yuvraj Singh (57 not out) and Suresh Raina (34 not out) saw India to victory after putting on 74 for the sixth wicket.

Sachin Tendulkar with his 53 became the first batsman to score 18 000 one-day international runs.

A delivery from Shaun Tait prevented Tendulkar from reaching another century, after the Indian legend was caught by Brad Haddin.

Gautam Gambhir reached 50 but was run out by Cameron White.

Brett Lee captured the wicket of Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who failed to reach double figures.

Meanwhile, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Australian captain Ricky Ponting went on to score his first international century in over a year.

Ponting was superb with his 104 before being caught by Zaheer Khan by a Ravichandran Ashwin ball.

Australia got off to a relatively healthy start, with Shane Watson and Brad Haddin making 25 and 53 respectively.

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey lost their wickets for a mere 11 runs, with some impressive bowling coming from Singh and Khan.

India though looking a bit fragile at for 195 for five, held their heads together and ensured that their devoted fans had something to celebrate

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